Mahoney&#39;s airway support device

ABSTRACT

A pillow consisting of foam rubber material covered with a non porous vinyl material, to support the airway of an unconscious adult. Constructed to provide a natural airway while easing the process for placement of an artificial airway. It is also intended to maintain placement of the artificial airway during movement and transport of said patients by emergency medical technicians.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of misplacement of the endotracheal tube of the intubated patient in the prehospital setting. Current practice involves the placement of the endotracheal tube without securing of the head and shoulders to an immovable object. The result leads to the possibility of misplacement from the trachea to the esophagus of the patient. This invention will provide immobilization to both areas to better the effects of the resuscitation efforts.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0002] The invention consist of a platform on which a unconscious patient is placed and the head and shoulders secured in a manor to prevent movement. The design is created to provide for a naturally open airway passage in the adult patient. This invention also allows for easy placement of the endotracheal tube and provides support to maintain placement of the artificial airway. It is specifically designed for use in the prehospital setting where emergency medical technicians will be moving the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003]FIG. 1 is the invention as viewed from the top side with the unit place on flat surface. This view shows the size and dimensions of the base unit. It also shows the straps that secure the unit to the board (no. 4) and patient's chest (no. 3). Also displayed are the Velcro pads on the lower platform of the unit (no. 5).

[0004]FIG. 2 is the side view of the unit and shows the dimensions of height for the invention. First shown is the raised platform (no. 1). Also shown is the arched rise in the pillow to support the patients cervical spine (no. 2). The buckle portion of the chest strap is also illustrated in this figure (no. 3).

[0005]FIG. 3 shows a top view of the foam block used to secure the patient's head into position. The shaded portion indicates the angle that will descend from the narrow top the wider bottom. This figure also shows the dimensions of the block from this angle.

[0006]FIG. 4 shows dimensions of the foam block from the side view. This view also shows the angle that is placed to assist with head support (no. 6).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] This invention consist of a base pillow that is designed to support the airway structures of the unconscious patient. The pillow is made of high density foam rubber molded to have a 2 inch platform for 8 inches in length and 14 inches in width. The platform will support an arched curve for 4 inches and have a 4 inch straight edge at the end of the arch. This arch will extend 4 inches from the bottom of the base. The pillow will be covered with a nonporous vinyl material. The material is sewn together with a nylon type thread using a standard or industrial sewing machine. The material must be stitched at the base of the arch to allow for proper angle on arch.

[0008] The material is cut using the measurements of the foam and allowing excess for stitching. Material is stitched together using a nylon based thread and a external stitch pattern. The seams are covered with a nylon fabric and stitched a second time to enhance appearance. The 4 inch head rest is filled with poly fiber and stitched closed with an external stitch. Included in the seams are 4 nylon straps with Velcro placed to secure on itself after being placed on the immobilization board or stretcher. There is also a fifth strap that is at least 24 inches in length with self closing Velcro positioned. This strap will met with a sixth strap with a plastic or metal ring through which the fifth strap is placed and secured. This sixth strap will be at least 18 inches in length. Both chest straps are sewn at the seam of base at the leading edge of the arch on opposing sides of the base.

[0009] The head restraints are constructed of the same high density foam rubber material. These are cut to measure 4 inches wide×4 inches in length×4 inches in height, with a width of only 2 inches on the top side. The inner side will have an angle of 60 degrees to allow for support of the patient's head. The non angled side will have a Velcro base and the bottom side will also have Velcro to attach to the base unit. The blocks will be accompanied by a nylon strap with Velcro to attach to the head immobilizers themselves. This will serve to prevent movement of the head during transport.

[0010] As stated the purpose is to prevent movement of the airway structures during transport of an unconscious patient. To achieve this, the invention is secured to a standard spinal immobilization board using the Velcro straps(4). Then the patient is placed on the board and device with the shoulders resting on the arch of the raised platform(2). The head is allowed to rest onto the lower platform which places the patient in a position to naturally open the airway passage(5). When in this position an artificial airway may be placed if necessary. After placement, the patient is secured to the device with the chest straps(3). The longer of the straps with Velcro will be placed through the ring on the shorter strap and secured. The head immobilizers are then placed with the angled side(6) towards the patient and secured with the nylon strap which will also cross the patients forehead. The patient is next secured to the immobilization board and prepared for transit. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An airway opening device comprising of a base platform with a raised pillow made of foam rubber material that will support the airway of an unconscious adult patient.
 2. The device of claim 1 that is constructed with a immovable supportive arch to maintain airway alignment in said patient.
 3. The device of claim 1 that utilizes head immobilizers to secure head movement with said device.
 4. The device of claim 1 which may be used by emergency personnel during the transport of said patients during pre hospital care. 